A lot of mixed feelings after Carrie Underwood took on the role of Maria in NBC's adaptation of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. "The Sound Of Music Live!" was a three-hour live event, in which the new cast of this timeless musical starred in a once in a lifetime performance transmitted simultaneously to the homes of millions of people. Besides Underwood playing the famous role Julie Andrews immortalized in the 1965 film, "True Blood" star Stephen Moyer joined the cast as Capt. Von Trapp, and five-time Tony-Award winner Audra McDonald became the Mother Abbess.
Also co-starring were Tony Award winners Laura Benanti (Elsa Schrader) and Christian Borle (Max Dettweiler). The young cast playing the von Trapp children were Ariane Rinehart (Liesl), Michael Nigro (Fredrich), Ella Watts-Gorman (Louisa), Joe West (Kurt), Sophia Anne Caruso (Brigitta), Grace Rundhaug (Marta) and Peyton Ella as young Gretl. The NBC version was based on the original 1959 Broadway musical starring Mary Martin, but although it was a little different from the movie, music producer Neil Meron was very confident with his work.
"Everybody knows 'The Sound of Music,' or thinks they do from the 1965 film nearly everyone has seen," he told AP. "But relatively few fans are acquainted with the stage original. Drawing from it, 'The Sound of Music Live!' is meant to feel familiar, yet at the same time come across as new and different." It was indeed a bit different, but not necessarily loved by everyone. Starting with the casting of Carrie Underwood as Maria. Neron had said in the past that "Carrie is Maria," but many Julie Andrews' fans refused the idea and weren't too happy with the choice.
Carrie, however delivered a fresh twist to the vocals, belting almost her entire part and bringing back the classics we love with a more "modern" twist. Nevertheless, her acting skills weren't too polished, and every time she opened her mouth to speak she sounded like a cartoon. It didn't come natural, it looked forced and fake. But her facial expressions, her movements, her posture, and how she carried herself at all times did remind us somehow of our beloved Julie. Carrie still needs to take a few extra acting lessons, but I would totally buy the "The Sound Of Music Live!" soundtrack.
Stephen Moyer was a charming Capt. von Trapp, even with his toughness and coldness towards his kids at the beginning, and he definitely surprised us with his rendition of "Edelweiss," which may or may not have brought me to tears. But the stars of the night were Audra McDonald and Laura Benanti. Audra can do no wrong. And I'm sure everyone bawled their eyes out when she sang "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." As for Laura, she sure gave a fabulous and very elegant performance as Baroness Schrader. "Yes, please show me the gardens, I don't know any of your names yet but that doesn't matter!" She was perfect.
I feel the need to mention that some of the camera moves and close-ups felt too much like a soap opera, and people didn't seem to like watching the show on HDTV since they claim it made sets look fake, especially the mountains. However, I still think it was a nice rendition to watch with your kids and sing-along to some of the classics such as "Do-Re-Mi," "The Sound Of Music," "My Favorite Things" and "The Lonely Goatherd," which people didn't seem to enjoy that much because the famous puppets were missing. However, once your kids grow up, please make them watch the movie, they will be old enough to understand all the WWII references and enjoy some fine performances by legends Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.
If you still haven't seen this live performance and would like to decide for yourself whether you like it or not (I personally don't read much reviews if it's something that I really want to see because some people are just too jaded and will trash anything), NBC is offering some of the highlights, which we've attached below. But stay tuned, since we have a hunch the entire show will be up on NBC.com in no time!
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